Rigid sheet metal awning structure



y 1952 J. w SNIDER ET AL 2,595,612

RIGID SHEET METAL AWNING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS ywz MM May 6, 1952 J. w SNlDER ET AL 2,595,612

RIGID SHEET METAL AWNING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 gVTORS 2 4, M -1- w w 09w May 6, 1952 J. w SNIDER ET AL 2,595,612

RIGID SHEET METAL AWNING STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 29, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN TOR.

a E 30 20 h fi 51% Patented May 6, 1952 OFFER RIGID SHEET METAL AWNHNG STRUCTURE Joseph W. Snider, Kenmore, and Stephen G. Domster, Bufialo, N. Y.; said Domster assignor to said Snider Application December 29, 1948, Serial No. 67,784

Claims. (01. 20-575) have the heavy and ponderous appearance .usu-

ally associated with rigid sheet metal awnings.

Another object is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning structure which obstructs the view to a minimum extent and which admits a large amount of both direct or reflected light while at the same time acting as a shield against the direct rays of the sun.

Another object is to provide such an awning structure which will reflect a large amount of radiant heat from the sun rather than absorb the same and radiate it into the room thereby to provide a cooler awning.

Another aim is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning structure which permits a free movement of air therethrough at normal velocities but which adaquately obstructs blasts of air and also obstructs the passage of rain or snow therethrough.

Another object is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning structure which is constructed throughout of pieces of relatively long and nar' row metal strips which can be readily formed into the desired shape and when joined together provide a strong and durable structure which will stand up under conditions of severe use in all seasons and which is not liable to get out of order or require repairs.

.Another object of the invention is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning structure having a minimum number of low cost connectors between the several sheet metal parts.

Another object is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning which can be produced in quantity at less cost.

Another object is to provide such an awning structure which can be painted to emphasize its structural lines and increase its pleasing appearance.

Another object is to provide such a rigid sheet applied to the wall of a building and which can readily be taken down and replaced if such is required for the application of storm windows. screens and the like.

' metal awning structure which can readily be Another object of the invention is to provide such a rigid sheet metal awning structure which can be readily dismantled into three relatively fiat subassemblies which, together with an attaching strip, can be shipped in a compact relatively shallow rectangular carton.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description and drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rigid sheet metal awning structure embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken on line 2-2, Fi 7.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 3--3, Fig. 8. v

Fig. 4 is a front or outside elevational view thereof.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view thereof, the opposite side elevational view being substantially identical.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line B6, Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a rear or inside elevational view of the awning structure.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 8-8, Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken on line 99, Fig. 8.

The rigid sheet metal awning structure forming the subject of the present invention is preferably made of a plurality of relatively long and narrow strips of aluminum or other light weight alloy and includes a pair of counterpart panel shaped side stringers or diagonal supporting strips H1 and a central panel shaped stringer or diagonal supporting strip ll. Each of the counterpart panel shaped side stringers or diagonal supporting strips It is made of sheet aluminum or the like and has its upper long diagonal edge of stepped or saw tooth form, each step or saw tooth l2 having an upper long edge It inclining downwardly from the relatively short and generally vertical edge M of the next higher saw tooth l2 To provide a graceful appearance as well as to increase the strength of the awning structure each downwardly inclined long edge I3 is preferably of curved concave form and each generally vertical edge I4 preferably inclines from the vertical downwardly and toward the wall of the building to which the awning is attached.

The central stringer or diagonal supporting strip I1 is likewise made of sheet aluminum or the like and has its upper long diagonal edge of stepped or saw tooth form, each step or saw tooth I5 having an upper laterally extending flange l6 inclining downwardly from the relatively short and generally vertical edge I8 of the next higher saw tooth I5. As with the side stringers I0. each flange I6 is preferably of longitudinally curved concave form and each generally vertical edge I8 preferably inclines from the vertical downwardly and toward the wall of the building to which the awning is attached. For strength and rigidity the lower edge of the central stringer II is preferably provided with a laterally extending flange I9.

The lowermost saw tooth, distinguished as I2a, of each side stringer or diagonal'strip IIl'h'as its upper long diagonal concave edge, distinguished at I3a, of greater length than those of the succeeding higher steps or saw teeth I2. These upper concave edges I3a terminate at their. lower ends in vertical edges 20 of the side stringers or diagonal supporting strips I and to which the valance of the awning-is applied as hereinafter described. Similarly the lowermost'saw tooth, distinguished at Ia, of each central stringer-or diagonal supporting strip II has its'inclined, laterally directed flange, distinguished at IBa, of greater length along the saw tooth than the flanges I6 of the succeeding higher steps or saw teeth I5. The lower edge of this flange Ifia terminates in the laterally flanged vertical lower edge 2I of the central stringer or diagonal supporting strip I I and to which the valance of the awning is applied as hereinafter described.

The inclined roof structure of the awning formed in part by the stringers I0 and I I is completed by a plurality of parallel sided transverse roof louver strips 22 of sheet aluminum or the like and supported on the successive steps I2, I2a and I5, I5a of theside stringers I0 and'central stringer II. Each of these strips is of curved or concave form in cross section to fit the curving edges I3, I31: of the steps I2, I2a of the side stringers I0 and curving flanges I6, Ilia of the steps I5, I5a of the central stringer I I, and. each of these roof louver strips is provided with a downturned flange 23 along its forward. or lower longitudinal edge and an upturned flange 24-along its upper or rear longitudinal edge. Each of these roof louver strips 22, 22a is supported on a corresponding groupof steps. I2 and I5, including the steps I2a and I5a, of the side stringers and central stringers I0 and II, respectively, and

to secure these roof louver'strips in position each roof louver strip is providedat its opposite ends with downturned flanges 25 which are arranged against the outer faces of the side stringers I0 and can be secured thereto by rivets 26, welding, or in any other suitable manner. At its center each of the roof louver strips 22, 22a can be secured to the-flanges I6, Ilia of the central stringer II by rivets 28, welding, or in any other suitable manner.

It will be noted that the width of each of the roof louver strips 22, 22a is slightly greater than the length of the edges I3 of the steps I2 so that each of these roof louver strips projects beyond the edges I4of the steps I2 and overlaps the next succeeding lower roof louver strip. This overlap, incombination with the downturned flanges 23 and the upturned flanges 24 of the roof louver strips 22, prevents snow and rain from being blown through. the openings 29 provided between the successive roof louver strips 22, 22a and'at the same time permits these spaces to be relatively high so that from a position in horizontal alinement with the awning structure, one is able to see directly through these openings. This not only increases the visibility of the occupant of'the dwelling but also gives the awning, both from the inside of the dwelling and from the outside thereof, an appearance of lightness and airiness in contrast to the heavy and ponderous appearance of rigid sheet metal awning structures as usually constructed. The provision of the openings 29 also greatly increases the amount of light, both direct and indirect, admitted through the awning structure, and at the same time prevents direct sunlight from passing through the awning under any usual conditions. Thus, sunlight against the top of any one of the transverse roof louver strips 22 is reflected upwardly therefrom against the under side of the next succeeding higher roof louver strip and thence is reflected through the window or to the opening over which the awning is placed. Also direct light from a low elevation is able to pass directly through the openings 29 while at the same time direct sunlight cannot pass through the openings 29 in this manner except under the usual conditions at sunrise or'sunset where the awning is placed directly facing the rising or the setting sun and when the suns horizontal rays at this time are not obstructed. It will also be understood that this condition would obtain only for. a few minutes on a cloudless day.

It will be noted that the-transversely curved or concave form of each of the rooflouver'strips 22, greatly increases the rigidity of these transverse roof louver strips, this rigidity being further increased by the provision of the upturned and downturned longitudinal flanges 24 and 23 along the opposite edges of these roof louver strips. The uppermost roof louver strip 22a is similarly strengthened by its curved formand lower depending flange 23a.

The lowermost steps I 2a and I5a of the side.

stringers II] and central stringer II, respectively, as previously described, are of slightly greater length than the other steps I2 and I5 of the stringers. The length of these lowermost steps I2a and I511 is approximately equal to the width of the transverse roof louver strips 22 and the downturned flange 23 of this lowermost roof louver strip 22 engages the outer face of a sheet metal valance strip 30 secured against the lower vertical edges 20 of the side stringers I0 and the lower vertical flange 2I of the central stringer II. This valance strip 3!) is provided, for increased strength and rigidity, with a horizontal longitudinal bead 3I and, for improved appearance its lower edge is preferably'indented or scalloped as indicated at 32. To secure this valance strip 30 to the side stringers 1 I 0 it is provided at its opposite ends with end flanges 33 which engage the outer, faces of the side stringers I0 along their lower vertical edges 20. Eachof these flanges 33 is shown as interruptedv at-the bead 3| and is secured to the side stringers II] by rivets 34, welds, or in any other suitable manner. At its center, this valance strip 30 is shown as secured to the lower vertical flange 2I of the central stringer Ii by rivets 35 or in any other suitable manner. For additional strength of the awning structure and valance strip 30 is secured along its upper edge to the depending flange 23 of the lowermost roof louver strip 22 by rivets or welds 36 or in any other suitable manner.

The uppermost transverse roof louver strip 22a is generally similar to the other'transverse roof strips 22 and hence the same numerals have been employed for identical parts and distinguished by the suflix a. However, instead of this upper most transverse roof strip 22a. having an up Fig. 6.

turned flange along its upper edge, it is provided with a C-shaped reversely bent hook shaped flange or curl 38 which opens downwardly as best shown in Figs. 5 and 8. This hook shaped flange isreceived in a complementary C or hook shaped flange 39 provided along the lower edge of an attaching strip 48, the hook shaped flange 39 of the attaching flange 40 opening upwardly. The attaching strip 48 is provided with screw holes 4| by means of which it can be conveniently attached to the wall (not shown) of the building over the opening which the awning structure protects and it will be seen that by the provision of these interengaging hook shaped flanges 38 and 39 of the awning structure and attaching strip 40, respectively, the awningstructure can be easily removed by the simple expedient of lifting the awning structure so as to disengage its upper hook shaped flange 38 from the hook shaped flange 39 of the attaching strip 40.

Directly below the attaching strip 40 the central stringer II is provided with a vertical, laterally flanged end 42 which is adapted to bear against the wall to which the awning structure is attached. The corresponding upper or inner end of each of the side stringers i is, however, specially formed to form each side stringer [0 into the uppermost of a series of side louvers enclosing the triangular spaces at the side of the awning. For this purpose the rear end of each of the side stringers II] is formed to provide an inwardly projecting triangular wing 45, each of these wings being generally vertically disposed and projecting generally parallel with the roof louver strips 22, although the exact shape and direction of projection of these triangular wings 45 can be varied to suit the particular styling or appearance desired. The opposing edges of the triangular wings 45 are formed to provide generally parallel vertical flanges 46 which project toward the wall to which the awning structure is attached. Each of these vertical flanges projects into the channel of a vertical channel bar 41 and is disposed against the outer flange 48 thereof. Each of these vertical end flanges 46 of the side stringers I8 is removably secured to the corresponding channel bar 41 by a pair of removable bolts 49 which extend through the flange 46 and through the outer flange 48 of the channel bar 41 as best shown in Fig. 9. These channel bars 41 are adapted to be secured in vertical positions to the wall of the building on opposite sides of the opening protected by the awning and for this purpose the back or cross web 58 of each of the channel bars 41 is provided with a pair of screw holes Each of the side stringers It also preferably has its lower edge bent outwardly to provide an outwardly and downwardly extending lip 52. The lower orjforward end of each of these lips 52 is also provided with a bolt hole receiving a bolt 53 which extends through this lip as well as through a registering hole in the lower end of the vertical end flange 33 of the valance strip 38, thus the lower end of this end flange 33 being bent to conform to the lip 52 as best shown in Each of these bolts also extends through bolt holes provided in the apices 55, 55a, 55b and 550 of a group of triangular side louvers 56, 56a, 56b, 560 which enclose the triangular spaces between the side stringers l0 and the wall of the building to which the awning structure is attached. These triangular side louvers 56-560 of each group fan out from the bolt 53, the lowermost one 560 being horizontally disposed and the uppermost one 56 being arranged adjacent and with its upper edge generally parallel with the lip 52 of the corresponding side stringer [0. These triangular side louvers are substantially identical in construction,difiering only in the slight changes in angular relation of their parts as dictated by the progressively changing angularity of the several triangular side louvers and hence the same reference numerals have been applied and distinguished by the suffixes a, b and c. As with the side stringers I0, the rear end of each of the triangular side louvers 56-560 is formed to provide an inwardly projecting triangular wing 58, 58a, 58b, 580, each of these wings being generally vertically disposed and projecting generally parallel with the roof louver strips 22, although the exact shape and direction of projection of these triangular wings 58-58c can be varied to suit the particular styling or appearance desired. The opposing edges of the triangular wings 58-580 of the two side groups of triangular louvers 56-560 are formed to provide vertical, generally parallel flanges 59, 59a, 59b, 590 which project toward the wall to which the awning structure is attached. Each of these vertical flanges projects into the channel of the corresponding vertical channel bar 41 and is disposed against the outer flange 48 thereof. Each of these vertical end flanges 59-590 of the triangular side louvers 56-560 is removably secured to the corresponding channel bar 41 by a pair of bolts 60, rivets, or other fastenings, which is shown as extending through the flanges 59, 59a, 591) or 59c and through the outer flange 48 of the channel bar 41 as best shown in Fig. 9.

Each of these triangular side louvers 56-560 is provided along its upper edge with an inwardly extending flange 6|, 6la, 6|b, 6lc which serves to impart rigidity to the louver. As with the side stringers 18, each of the triangular side louvers 56-560 is also provided along its lower edge with an outwardly projecting lip 62, 62a, 62b, 62c.

It will be seen that with an awning structure constructed as above, the awning structure can be readily reduced to three subassemblies which, together with the attaching flange 40, can be placed face to face in a shallow rectangular shipping carton. Thus, by removing the two pairs of upper bolts 49 which attach the channels 41 to the side stringers l8 and also removing the two bolts 53 which secure the apices of the triangular side louvers 56, 56a, 56b, 560 to the forward end of the side stringers 16, the sides of the awning can be removed from the roof structure thereof, each of these side portions comprising the vertical channel 41 and the group of triangular side louvers 56-560 secured thereto, and the roof structure comprising the central and side stringers II and I8 secured to the transverse roof louver strips 22, 22a and the valance strip 30. These subassemblies, together with the attaching strip 48 can be placed face to face in a shallow rectangular carton.

Upon receiving the so disassembled awning structure, all that is necessary to erect the awning structure is to pass the bolts 53 through the apices of the several triangular side louvers 56-560 and the lower ends of the side stringers l0 and pass the bolts 49 through the flange 46 at the upper ends of the side stringers land the holes provided in the outer flanges 48 of the vertical attaching channels 41. The attaching strip 40 over the opening to be protected and the cof these transverse roof louver strips.

shaped lip 38 of the uppermost louver 22a placed in'the C-shaped lip 39 of this attaching strip, this supporting the awning structure in position. Following this the installer can insert screws through each of the pair of screw holes provided in the -the opening being protected. fhus, the vertical spacing of the transverse roof louver strips from each other permits a free movement of air at normal velocities through the roof, and the spacing of the adjacent edges of the triangular side louvers 56, 56a, 58b and 580 from each other and from the lower edge of the side stringers Ii] of the roof structure permits a free movement of air at gentle velocities through the triangular sides of the awning. However, a driving rain against the roof of the awning is prevented from going therethrough by the coaction between the downturned flanges 23, 23a along the lower edge of each transverse roof louver strip the upturned flange 2 along the upper edge of each Similarly, the lips 52 along the lower edges of the side stringers l0 and the lips 6252c along the lower edges of the side louvers 56-550 prevent rain or snow from driving through these louvers.

It will also be seen that a large amount of light is admitted through theawning structure, direct light being admitted from a low elevation through the openings 29 between the several transverse roof louver strips 22, 22a and indirect light being admitted both through these roof louvers 22, 22a and the triangular side louvers 56-550 by reflection from the outer faces of these louvers against the inner faces of the next succeeding higher louvers. At the same time under all normal conditions both the roof louvers 22, 22a and the triangular side louvers 5556c prevent sunlight from passing directly through the awning structure.

It will also be seen that the rigid sheet metal i awning structure of the present invention can be painted (Texolite) to reflect the suns rays thereby to provide a cooler awning in that this heat is reflected instead of being radiated into the enclosure protected hy the awning.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides a low cost rigid sheet metal awning structure which is composed of a plurality of relatively long and. narrow sheet metal strips, all-of which can be formed at low cost and which can be readily assembled in a large scale production. It will further be seen that the structure is distinguished by being light and airy in appearance and is in fact in completelyventilated form and at the same time guards the opening being protected against blasts of wind, rain and snow and direct sunlight while at the same time transmitting a large amount of both direct and reflected light.

We claim: 1. A rigid sheet metal awning structure, comprising a pair of vertically disposed, elongated panel shaped, sheet metal side stringers arranged longitudinally at an angle to the horizontal, a plurality of elongated transverse sheet metal roof louver strips, means rigidly fastening the opposite ends of each of said roof louver strips to said side stringers, a pair of vertical bars each fast tothe upper end of a corresponding side stringer and depending therefrom, a group of elongated triangular side louver strips at each side of the awning structure, a fastening securing the apices of each group-of said side louver strips-jointly to the extreme lower end ofa corresponding side stringerpsaid side louver strips extendingrearwardly from said securing means in vertically fanned relation toward said vertical bars,-and means rigidly securing the rear end of each of said sidelouver strips-to the corresponding one of said vertical bars.

2. A rigid sheet metal awning structure, comprising a pair of vertically disposed, elongated panel shaped, sheet metal side stringers arranged longitudinally at an angle tothe horizontal, a plurality of elongated transverse sheet metal roof louver strips, means rigidly fastening the opposite ends of each of said roof louver strips to said side stringers, a pair of vertical bars which are channel shaped in cross section, the upper end ofeach of said side stringers being arranged in the channel of a corresponding one of said bars and disposed against the outer flange thereof, means removably ecuring said upper end of each of said side stringers to said outer flange of the corresponding bar, a group of elongatedtriangular side louver strips at each side of the awning structure, means removably securing the apices of each group of side louver strips jointly to the lower end of a corresponding side stringer, said side louver strips extending rearwardly from said last securing means in vertically fanned relation rearwardly into the channels ofsaid channel bars and beingdisposed against said outer flanges thereof, .andmeans rigidly securing the rear end of each of said side louver stripsto the corresponding one. of said outer flanges.

3. A rigid sheet metal awning structure, comprisin a pairiof vertically disposed, elongated panel shaped, sheet metal side stringers arranged longitudinally atan angle to the horizontal, a pluralityof elongated transverse sheet metal roof louver. strips, means rigidly fasteningsthe opposite ends of. each'of said roof louver strips to said side stringers,- a. triangular wing forming a continuation of the upper endof eachvstringer and projecting inwardly therefrom withone edge vertically disposed thereby to offset the lower edge of said-stringer outwardly. from the upper edge thereof, a vertical. flange at the said vertically disposed edge of each .wingand forming a transversely rearwardly projecting continuation thereof, a pair of verticalbarseach fast to acorrespending one of said .fianges and depending therefrom, and a group of side louver strips disposed under each of. said stringers and connected at their forward ends .to the corresponding one of said stringers and-at their rearends to the corresponding one of. said vertical bars.

4. Ina rigid sheet metal awning structure having an inclined roof structure, side enclosures for said awning structure, comprising a pair of verti cal bars each fast to one side of the upper end of-said roof structure and depending therefrom, a-group of elongatedside louver strips at each side of the awning structure, means securing the apices-of eachgroup of said side louver strips jointly to a corresponding. side of. the .lower. end of said roof structure, said side louver stripsextending rearwardly from said securingmeans-to- .ward said vertical bars atriangular wing forming a continuation of the upper end of each side louver strip and projecting inwardly therefrom with one edge vertically disposed thereby to offset the lower edge of each side louver strip outwardly with reference to the upper edge thereof,

and means connecting said vertically disposed edges of said Wings to said vertical bars.

5. A rigid sheet metal awning structure, comprising a pair of vertically disposed, elongated panel shaped sheet metal side stringers arranged longitudinally at an angle to the horizontal, a plurality of elongated transverse sheet metal roof louver strips, means rigidly fastening the opposite ends of each of said roof louver strips to said side stringers, a triangular wing forming a continuation of the upper end of each stringer and projecting inwardly therefrom with one edge vertically disposed thereby to offset the lower edge of said stringer outwardly from the upper edge thereof, a vertical flange at the said vertically disposed edge of each wing and forming a transversely rearwardly projecting continuation thereof, a pair of vertical bars each fast to a corresponding one of said flanges and depending therefrom, a group of elongated side louver strips at 2 each side of the awning structure, means securing the apices of each group of said side louver strips jointly to the lower end of a corresponding side stringer, said side louver strips extending rearwardly from said last securing means toward said vertical bars, a triangular Wing forming a continuation of the end of each of said side louver strips opposite said last securin means and projecting laterally inwardly therefrom with one edge vertically disposed thereby to offset the lower edge of each side louver strips with reference to the upper edge thereof, a vertical flange at said vertically disposed edge of each wing of said side louver strips and forming a transversely rearwardly projecting continuation thereof, and means connecting said last flanges to said vertical bars.

JOSEPH W. SNIDER.

STEPHEN G. DOMSTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 147,090 Baxter Feb. 3, 1874 2,251,572 Kuhn et a1. Aug. 5, 1941 2,327,614 Agee Aug. 24, 1943 2,394,736 Adelsperger Feb. 12, 1946 

